Sword and Pen by Rachel Caine

Title: Sword and Pen (Great Library #5)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Berkley 2019

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Monthly Motif; Dancing with Fantasy and Scifi - Steampunk

The corrupt leadership of the Great Library has fallen. But with the Archivist plotting his return to power, and the Library under siege from outside empires and kingdoms, its future is uncertain. Jess Brightwell and his friends must come together as never before, to forge a new future for the Great Library...or see everything it stood for crumble.

And we finally reach the end of The Great Library saga! It was a crazy whirlwind of action and adventure. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was narrated from a different character helping the reader see multiple areas of Alexandria throughout the timelime of the book. I loved getting more from Morgan and Khalila. Such great characters! Over the course of the series, each of the main characters have grown so much. I feel like we have seen them evolve to embrace their individual identities. I didn’t quite want the series to end, but it was nice to get a proper conclusion.

The Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone

• #2 Paper and Fire

• #3 Ash and Quill

• #4 Smoke and Iron

• #5 Sword and Pen

Next up on the TBR pile:

Smoke and Iron by Rachel Caine

Title: Smoke and Iron (Great Library #4)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Berkley 2018

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 448

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Share-a-Tea; I Love Libraries; Seasonal Series - Book on the go

The opening moves of a deadly game have begun. Jess Brightwell has put himself in direct peril, with only his wits and skill to aid him in a game of cat and mouse with the Archivist Magister of the Great Library. With the world catching fire, and words printed on paper the spark that lights rebellion, it falls to smugglers, thieves, and scholars to save a library thousands of years in the making...if they can stay alive long enough to outwit their enemies.

I snagged this volume off my library's Lucky Day shelf. So incredibly excited to read this one. I was in from page one and sped through the entire book in just a few days. I loved the varying narrators to give a bigger picture of the characters. Khalila has become my favorite character in the entire story. Her quiet strength and leadership is just amazing. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that this wasn't the end of the series. I have to wait who knows how long until the final volume is this great series. 

The Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone
• #2 Paper and Fire
• #3 Ash and Quill
• #4 Smoke and Iron
• #5 TBD

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ash and Quill by Rachel Caine

Title: Ash and Qull (Great Library #3)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Red Spine

Hoarding all the knowledge of the world, the Great Library jealously guards its secrets. But now a group of rebels poses a dangerous threat to its tyranny....
 
Jess Brightwell and his band of exiles have fled London, only to find themselves imprisoned in Philadelphia, a city led by those who would rather burn books than submit. But Jess and his friends have a bargaining chip: the knowledge to build a machine that will break the Library’s rule.
 
Their time is running out. To survive, they’ll have to choose to live or die as one, to take the fight to their enemies—and to save the very soul of the Great Library....

Going into this volume, I thought it was the last one in the series. Unfortunately it is not, and I will have to wait a few years for the conclusion... Beyond that slight annoyance, I was blown away once again by this series. It was nonstop action from page 1 and I was right there with it. I love Jess and his band of misfits. I loved seeing the other side of the conflict, namely the Burners. We get to meet some great characters in Philadelphia. My favorite character from this volume had to be Brendon. I loved seeing more of Jess's family but especially his twin brother.  Very interesting relationship. I'm really not sure if I can wait a few years for the next volume...

The Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone
• #2 Paper and Fire
• #3 Ash and Quill

Next up on the TBR pile:

Paper and Fire by Rachel Caine

Title: Paper and Fire (Great Library #2)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 357

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Popsugar - Set During Wartime (fictional war, but still)

Jess Brightwell has survived his introduction to the sinister, seductive world of the Library, but serving in its army is nothing like he envisioned. His life and the lives of those he cares for have been altered forever. 
 
Embarking on a mission to save one of their own, Jess and his band of allies make one wrong move and suddenly find themselves hunted by the Library’s deadly automata and forced to flee Alexandria, all the way to London.

Oh my! I positively adored this volume of The Great Library series. With the first volume, we spend time creating the world and introducing the characters. In this one, we dive right into the action. I fell even more in love with Jess and the band of rebels. I seized up in fear during the scenes featuring automata. I also cried when Morgan and Jess were reunited. I definitely teared up during an intense scene in the Black Archives (yes they find them; spoiler but you knew it had to happen). I wanted to read this in one sitting, but children forced me to take a few more days to read it. Oh so good! I can't wait to run out and get the third volume. 

Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone
• #2 Paper and Fire
• #3 Ash and Quill

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Title: Ink and Bone (Great Library #1)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: New American Library 2015

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 351

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Popsugar - Steampunk (sorta)

Ruthless and supremely powerful, the Great Library is now a presence in every major city, governing the flow of knowledge to the masses. Alchemy allows the Library to deliver the content of the greatest works of history instantly—but the personal ownership of books is expressly forbidden. 
 
Jess Brightwell believes in the value of the Library, but the majority of his knowledge comes from illegal books obtained by his family. Jess has been sent to be his family’s spy, but his loyalties are tested in the final months of his training to enter the Library’s service. 
 
When his friend inadvertently commits heresy by creating a device that could change the world, Jess discovers that those who control the Great Library believe knowledge is more valuable than any human life—and soon both heretics and books will burn.…

Oh so good! I caught wind of this series about 6 months ago, but for some reason, just didn't get it immediately, I saw the third book on the New Books shelf at the library, went to check it out, but thankfully realized that it was the third book. So I found and checked out the first book.

First of all, I loved the world Caine throws us into. It's sorta steampunk, sorta fantasy, sorta alternate timeline. We see certain technological advances, but also a bit of magic. Then we get to the characters. I loved Jess immediately, but then we met all the rest of the postulants and scholars and guards. Such interested people who grew throughout the story. I loved how Caine peels back the layers on each character until we all see exactly who they are. Loved it! Finally we get the storyline. I loved the idea of a 1984-esque society headed by a library and librarians. We get wonder and intrigue, great action pieces, quiet moments dealing with relationships, and more. I sped through this volume in just a few days, the bulk of which was today. I could hardly put it down! So good! I can't wait to get the next volume.

Great Library

• #1 Ink and Bone
• #2 Paper and Fire
• #3 Ash and Quill

Next up on the TBR pile:

Total Eclipse by Rachel Caine

Title: Total Eclipse (Weather Wardens #9)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2010

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 305

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Seriously Series; Mount TBR; Fall into Reading;

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin, her husband, the djinn David, and the Earth herself have been poisoned by a substance that destroys the magic that keeps the world alive. The poison is destabilizing the entire balance of power, bestowing magic upon those who have never had it, and removing it form those who need it. It's just a matter of time before the delicate balance of nature explodes into chaos-and doom.

Holy crap!  What a way to end the series!  I sped through this volume on the edge of my seat.  I couldn't wait to see how Joanne got herself of the end-of-the-world situation she got herself into.  The volume did not disappoint.  Like most of of the books in the series, this one hits the ground running.  The action starts right away and never stops.  I loved that!  We get a whirlwind of activity and yet we still connect to the characters.  I loved seeing some of the side characters reappear, but glad that Caine focused on our main group.  I was even satisfied with the ending and epilogue.  Usually I hate epilogues, but this one was nice.  Overall, I really liked this series.  The middle books meander a bit from the main story arc, but everything gets back on track for a couple of explosive books at the end.

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Cape Storm by Rachel Caine

Title: Cape Storm (Weather Wardens #8)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2009

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 308

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Fall into Reading

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin and her new husband, the Djinn David, are running from a malevolent hurricane bent on destroying her. Joined by an army of fellow Wardens and Djinn onboard a hijacked luxury liner, Joanne has lured the storm into furious pursuit. But even their combined magic may not be enough to stop it-nor the power-mad ex-Weather Warden controlling it...

After the whirlwind that was Gale Force, I liked the slightly slower pace of this volume.  I liked getting back to being focused on the main characters of the series.  Instead of attempting to update everyone, we get more Joanne, David, and Lewis.  I really really love Lewis in this volume.  He has taken complete responsibility for the Wardens and for the Earth itself.  I also love the villain in this volume, very over the top and slightly cartoonish, but in a good way.  And I was very excited about where the whole series is going.  I'm very excited to read the last volume in the Weather Wardens series.

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Gale Force by Rachel Caine

Title: Gale Force (Weather Wardens #7)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2008

Genre: Paranormal

Pages: 306

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Dusty Bookshelf

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is on vacation when her Djinn lover, David, asks Joanne to marry him. She’s thrilled to say yes, even if some others may be less than happy about it.

Unfortunately, Joanne’s pre-marital bliss is ended by a devastating earthquake in Florida. And she can’t ask David and his kind for assistance. Because the cause of the quake is unlike anything Joanne has ever encountered—and a power even the Djinn cannot perceive.

Hmmm...  I feel like the series is losing a bit of steam, but I'm determined to finish it this close to the end.  Only two more books to go.  I still love Jo and David, but their constant being in the middle of these huge catastrophes is starting to take its toll.  Maybe it's because the timeline for the entire series is so short.  Or maybe it's because each threat is crazier than the last.  For whatever reason, I just want, no need some closure to this whole idea.  I still enjoyed the book.  It had the same well drawn out action sequences.  We still got snarky comments from Jo.  The book still had all the fun side characters (Kevin, Cherise, Ashan, Venna).  I just think we need to start wrapping some of this up now.

Weather Wardens:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Thin Air by Rachel Caine

Title: Thin Air (Weather Wardens #6)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2007

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 320

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Dusty Bookshelf; Book Bingo -- 4 from series

How I Got It: I own it

After preventing Mother Earth from destroying the planet, Joanne Baldwin lost her memories thanks to Ashan the djinn-and they will remain lost forever unless Joanne can recover her identity-and destroy the demon who is impersonating her, fabulous shoes and all...

For most of this series, I have enjoyed the books but they haven't blown me away.  This one changed all that.  This is the best book in the series (at least so far.).  Taking away Joanne's memory makes her more human and relatable.  She's like the rest of us now.  I loved seeing that vulnerable side to her. We re-meet so many interesting characters.  We wrap up a few story lines and open a few more.  I am really loving how the story is progressing.  Can't wait for number 7!

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Fire Storm by Rachel Caine

Title: Fire Storm (Weather Wardens #5)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2006

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: What's in a Name - Fire; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Bingo -- 4 from series

How I Got It: I own it

Putting aside the personal chaos that has plagued her, rogue Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin must rally the remnants of the Weather Warden corps against a double threat-the Djinn who have broken free from Warden control, and a cranky Mother Earth who's about to unleash her full fury against the entire world.

Every time I get about halfway through one of these novels, I start to lose interest.  And then I really get back into it and race towards the end.  I love the twists and turns Caine infuses this series with.  Every time I think I know where the story is going, she throws in something new.  I love Joanne and her journey.  Plus, we get the reappearance of some other great characters: Rahel, Lewis, Cher, Kevin, etc.  This particular volume ends on such a huge cliffhanger, I can't wait to get to the next book.

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Windfall by Rachel Caine

Title: Windfall (Weather Wardens #4)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2005

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 342

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Paranormal; What's in a Name - Up/Down; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W7

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin's stormy personal life is taking its toll on her patience-and her powers. But when the truce between the Wardens and the mystical Djinn starts to self-destruct, Joanne finds herself forced to choose between saving her Djinn lover, saving her Warden abilities-and saving humanity.

The fourth novel in the Weather Warden series and I'm still into it.  I was feeling a bit rocky after Chill Factor; not quite sure where the series was going, and not sure I want to stay with it.  Thankfully the fourth book has gotten back on track with new characters and new twists and turns.  The additions of Cherise and Sarah livened up the general storyline and setting.  Plus we get tons more mystery as to what is really going on with the weather.  I won't spoil the surprise, but I was intrigued.  I must definitely read the next book to see how this plays out...

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Chill Factor by Rachel Caine

Title: Chill Factor (Weather Wardens #3)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2005

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 352

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Sub Genre -- Thriller, Supernatural; Monthly Reads January -- Cold; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Book Bingo 4 from series

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin has protected the human race from monster storms, been killed, reborn as a Djinn, and then restored to her original form. Now she's throwing the dice to stop an infinitely powerful, deeply disturbed kid-who is holed up in a Vegas hotel-from bringing on a new ice age.

I was with the storyline in Ill Wind, I stayed with it through Heat Stroke.  But Chill Factor has certainly thrown the curve balls in.  I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride, and I do mean ride.  The action picks up right where it left off in the previous book and doesn't stop for 352.  Even on the last page, we're left with a cliffhanger.  I'm sure the next book will start right there.  It's a gripping ride through Joanne's ups and downs.  I am excited to see where the character goes next.  With the big news, I'm sure it's going to be interesting.

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Title: Heat Stroke (Weather Wardens #2)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2004

Genre: Paranormal Action Adeventure

Pages: 352

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: Sub-Genre -- Thriller, Action; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Dusty Bookshelf; Book Bingo -- 4 from series

How I Got It: I own it

Mistaken for a murderer, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is hunted down and killed by her colleagues. Reborn as a Djinn, she senses something sinister entering earth's atmosphere-something that makes tomorrow's forecast look deadly.

Second volume of Joanne Baldwin's journey and I'm still hooked.  Making Joanne a Djinn was a gamble and a hell of an entertaining one.  I loved seeing her attempt to master the Djinn powers, and yet retain her human fierceness.  It was also a treat to see how she would deal without David to lead her along.  I love her independent spirit.  And the introduction of a few new characters (Yvette, Kevin, Jonathon) was a nice touch.  They kept the series from falling into predictable.  On to the next one...

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse

Ill Wind by Rachel Caine

Title: Ill Wind (Weather Wardens #1)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2003

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 352

Rating:  4 / 5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC -- First in series; Paranormal -- Other; Women Authors; Mount TBR; Seriously Series

How I Got It: I own it

Joanne Baldwin is a Weather Warden. Usually, all it takes is a wave of her hand to tame the most violent weather. But now, she's trying to outrun another kind of storm: accusations of corruption and murder. So, she's resorting to the very human tactic of running for her life...

Her only hope is Lewis, the most powerful warden known. Unfortunately, he's stolen not one but three bottles of Djinn-making him the most wanted man on earth. Still, she's racing hard to find him-before the bad weather closes in fast...

This series has been sitting on my shelf for at least two years.  I'm glad I finally got around to reading it.  Ill Wind was a great introduction to Joanne and the world of the Weather Wardens.  Right away, I knew I would like Joanne's no nonsense outlook and fierce determination.  It was refreshing from the damsels in distress women I have read in the past few months.  I needed a fierce warrior.  Sure she has her vulnerable side, but that's only shown to people she thinks she can trust.  (Of course, that doesn't always work out so well).  And the world of the Djinns and Weather Warden is just too fun.  I love the idea of people helping to control Mother Nature from wiping out us humans.  It's a great idea.  The side characters are all great, but I especially loved David.  I thought something was odd the minute he popped into her life.  I didn't realize how odd until much later.  I can't wait to read more in the next volume.

Weather Warden:

1. Ill Wind
2. Heat Stroke
3. Chill Factor
4. Windfall
5. Fire Storm
6. Thin Air
7. Gale Force
8. Cape Storm
9. Total Eclipse